The Best 8 New or Improved Attractions in Canada for Summer 2016

Summer’s here, and there’s plenty to see and do across this vast country of ours. Each year, the regional editors of Where Canada select a brand new or significantly-improved attraction or event that’s recognized for its uniqueness and diverse appeal, which has earned our seal of approval as a can’t-miss destination for visitors.

This year’s honoured attractions range from an interactive homage to the Olympic games, a museum dedicated to works by British Columbian artists, a chronicle of the nation’s music scene, a newly-renovated cableway ride, and more.

<h2>National Geographic IMAX Theatre</h2><br /> The movie experience grew bigger and better this year at Victoria’s National Geographic IMAX Theatre, located in the Royal BC Museum. Building on its immersive, full-screen experience, the theatre installed a groundbreaking new IMAX 4K laser projection system, designed from the ground up to fill its 61-foot by 85-foot screen, and brand new seating. Audiences responded overwhelmingly to the brighter images, sharper contrast, additional colours, and whole new level of immersive sound. As one viewer tweeted, “The upgrades are nothing short of amazing.” Summer’s must-see films include <em>America Wild: National Parks Adventure</em>, taking audiences on the ultimate American off-trail adventure, and <em>A Beautiful Planet</em>, a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, created in co-operation with NASA.<br /> <br /> <em>675 Belleville St, Victoria, 250-480-4887; <a href="http://imaxvictoria.com/" target="_blank">imaxvictoria.com</a></em><br /> <br /> <em>Photo credit: IMAX, America Wild: National Parks Adventure.</em><br />

<h2>Richmond Olympic Experience</h2><br /> Looking for a podium-worthy experience? At the ROX, you can slalom down the slopes, satisfy your need for speed in a bobsleigh, and make a splash on a white water kayak course—all from the safety of a sports simulator. This attraction is North America’s most interactive, with virtual reality exhibits, games and challenges galore. Plus, 570 unique artifacts are on display, ranging from Olympic medals to old uniforms, giving sports enthusiasts plenty to pore over. Now that’s a gold-medal destination.<br /> <br /> <em>Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Rd., Richmond, 778-296-1400; <a href="http://therox.ca/" target="_blank">therox.ca</a></em>

<h2>Audain Art Museum</h2><br /> Architecture, history and natural wonders—oh yes, and awe-inspiring art—can all be found at the Audain Art Museum. On the walls: Michael Audain’s stunning private collection, which highlights the philanthropist’s profound fascination with BC art from the past 200 years. Find rare 19th-century First Nations masks, Emily Carr’s exquisite landscapes, and contemporary photographs by Jeff Wall and Rodney Graham. The building itself is designed to blend into the natural surroundings, but also provides sweeping views of the scenery. Consider it a cultural tour de force.<br /> <br /> <em>4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, 604-962-0413; <a href="http://audainartmuseum.com/" target="_blank">audainartmuseum.com</a></em><br /> <br /> <em>“The Crazy Stair (The Crooked Staircase)” by Emily Carr. Photo courtesy of Heffel.com.</em>

<h2>Banff Gondola</h2><br /> After a $26-million renovation, the Banff Gondola’s state-of-the-art upper terminal facility is expected to be fully operational in August 2016. At this popular year-round attraction, you can “view more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime.” Bighorn sheep may greet you on the boardwalk stroll to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. Walk the expanded rooftop viewing deck, and dine on culinary offerings that range from grab-and-go to full-service. The new, interactive family-friendly experience that brings Banff ecosystems to life includes a 40-seat multi-sensory theatre where you’ll ‘feel’ powerful mountain weather and ‘explore’ landscapes from a bird’s eye view.<br /> <br /> <em>1 Mountain Ave., Banff, 403-762-2523; <a href="http://www.brewster.ca/" target="_blank">brewster.ca</a></em>

<h2>Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre</h2><br /> The beautiful Studio Bell building is home to the National Music Centre, a showcase for Canadian music, and the only facility of its kind in the country. Guests can explore numerous rooms on five floors filled with interactive activities, music memorabilia, and tributes to the stories and histories of music in Canada. <br /> <br /> <em>850—4 St. SE, Calgary, 403-543-5115; <a href="http://studiobell.ca/" target="_blank">studiobell.ca</a></em>

<h2>Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre</h2><br /> The new Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre is a stunning, light-filled space that features the Agora Interpretive Centre where you can learn about Alberta’s past and exciting future, and the 4-D immersive Pehonan Theatre. You can also take in a featured art exhibit in the Borealis Gallery or shop for incredible art and gifts at the stunning Alberta Branded gift shop! After exploring the centre, take in the view of the Alberta Legislature Building from the huge, fountain-filled square just outside that is surrounded by manicured gardens, wading pools, and a wealth of history. <br /> <br /> <em>Edmonton Federal Building, 9820-107 St., Edmonton, 780-427-7362; <a href="http://www.assembly.ab.ca/visitorcentre/" target="_blank">assembly.ab.ca/visitorcentre</a></em><br /> <br /> <em>Photo credit: Lindsay Shapka</em>

<h2>RBC Convention Centre</h2><br /> Holding events from business conferences to trade shows to swanky gala fundraisers, the beautifully revamped RBC Convention Centre services the city’s vibrant downtown as both a venue and a destination in its own right. A major expansion, completed this year, has doubled the size of the centre to a whopping 264,000 square feet of rentable space. New additions include a high-tech ballroom, the slick Centre Place Café, which serves up hot dinners with fine dining plating at food court prices, and a City View room, decked out with shimmering floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Winnipeg’s electric, energetic of downtown.<br /> <br /> <em>375 York Ave., Winnipeg, 1-800-565-7776; <a href="http://www.wcc.mb.ca/" target="_blank">wcc.mb.ca</a></em>

<h2>CityFolk</h2><br /> In its 21st year, the Ottawa Folk Festival (September 14 to 18, 2016) was re-born and re-branded as CityFolk, and re-located to Lansdowne Park alongside the Rideau Canal. A festival previously held in more isolated parks such as Mooney’s Bay and Hog’s Back became truly urban—without losing much green space. Headliners on The Great Lawn stage have included Van Morrison, Lucinda Williams, Wilco and The Avett Brothers, while two onsite indoor venues—including free shows in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion—provided all-weather options. Marvest, a free lineup of local musicians at shops and venues along Bank Street, brought the festival into The Glebe’s downtown neighbourhood.<br /> <br /> <em>The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, 613-230-8234; <a href="http://cityfolkfestival.com/" target="_blank">cityfolkfestival.com</a></em>